Formation of uranium mononitride by the reaction of uranium dioxide with carbon in ammonia and a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen: II. Reaction rates

Kinetics of the carbothermic synthesis of UN from UO₂ in an NH₃ stream and a mixed 75% H₂ + 25% N₂ stream were studied in the temperature range of 1400–1600°C by X-ray analysis and weight change measurement of the sample. The weight change was divided into two parts; i.e. weight loss due to carbothermic reduction of UO₂ and weight loss due to removal of carbon by hydrogen. The former followed the first-order rate equation −1n(1 − ₀) = k₀t, and the latter the rate equation of phase boundary reaction 1 − (1 − _c)^1/3 = k_ct. The apparent activation energy of the former was in the range of 320–380 kJ/mol. The value of the latter in an NH₃ stream was 175–185 kJ/mol, which was smaller than that in a mixed 75% H₂ + 25% N₂stream (285 kJ/mol). In this method, the rate of the removal of carbon by hydrogen determines that of the formation of high purity UN.     

Hydrogen permeation of Hastelloy XR for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors

Hydrogen permeation of Hastelloy XR, which was developed for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, has been investigated with a simulated gas to the reactor environment, 80% H₂ + 15% CO + 5% CO₂. In this gas environment, Hastelloy XR formed chromium oxide and manganese-spinel oxide on the surface and showed a good quality to prevent hydrogen permeation. The prevention behavior can be interpreted in terms of a hydrogen diffusion model in a uniform oxide layer, and dependences of permeation rate on time and temperature are explained by variation of oxide thickness. The pressure dependence of the permeation rate for the oxidized alloy as well as bare metals obeyed Sieverts' law. The environmental effects on hydrogen permeation are also discussed on the basis of correlation between the characteristics of the surface layer and the permeation behaviors.     

Influence of the surface conditions on permeation in the deuterium–MANET system

The condition of the surfaces is of crucial importance for the deuterium permeation through materials. In this work a study of the surface constants for the adsorption (σk₁) and release (σk₂) of deuterium under different surface conditions on the martensitic steel DIN 1.4914 (MANET) has been carried out. The growth of an oxide surface layer (Cr₂O₃) of about 25–30 nm in a MANET sample, heat treated in an oxidizing environment, compared to the bare MANET that have a ‘natural' oxide of about 5 nm has provoked a reduction of both the permeation rate and the recombination coefficient (about 3 orders of magnitude). In addition, the permeation governing process has changed from diffusion-limited to surface-limited. The measurements of the permeation rate of deuterium were performed by a gas-phase permeation technique over the temperature range 574–746 K and for deuterium driving pressures in the range from 3 to 10⁵ Pa.     

Mass spectrometric investigation of the vaporization of li2tio3(s)

The vaporization of Li₂TiO₃(s) has been investigated by the mass spectrometric Knudsen effusion method. Partial pressures of Li(g), LiO(g), Li₂O(g), Li₃O(g) and O₂(g) over Li₂TiO₃(s) have been obtained in the temperature range 1180–1628 K. When the vaporization of Li₂TiO₃(s) proceeds, the content of Li₂O in the Li₂TiO₃(s) sample decreases. The phase of the sample is a disordered Li₂TiO₃ solid solution above 1486 K. The enthalpies of formation and the atomization energies for LiO(g) and Li₃O(g) have been evaluated from the partial pressures to be ΔH^o_f0(LiO, g) = 65.4 ± 17.4 kJ/mol, ΔH^o_f0(Li₃O, g) = − 207.5 ± 56.6 kJ/mol, D^o₀(LiO) = 340.5 ± 17.4 kJ/mol and D^o₀(Li₃O) = 931.6 ± 56.6 kJ/mol, respectively.     

低活化铁素体/马氏体钢CLF-1氢氘的渗透行为

低活化铁素体/马氏体钢(RA FM钢)作为聚变堆结构材料中最有前景的候选材料,其氢同位素渗透行为备受关注.采用氢同位素气相驱动渗透的方法,对中国低活化铁素体/马氏体钢CLF-1的氢同位素渗透行为进行了研究,研究了温度、气体压强、样品表面状态等因素对其渗透行为的影响.结果表明:氢、氘在RAFM CLF-1钢中渗透扩散过程...     

Thermochemical study of vaporization of LiTiO by a mass spectrometric Knudsen effusion method

The vaporization of Li₄TiO₄ has been studied by a mass spectrometric Knudsen effusion method in the temperature range 1082–1582 K. Identified vapors are Li(g), LiO(g), Li₂O(g) and Li₃O(g). When the vaporization proceeds, the content of Li₂O in the Li₄TiO₄ sample decreases and the condensed phase of the sample changes to β-Li₄TiO₄ plus l-Li₂TiO₃ below 1323 K, to β-Li₄TiO₄ plus h-Li₂TiO₃ in the range 1323–1473 K and to h-Li₂TiO₃ plus liquid above 1473 K. On the basis of the partial pressure data, the enthalpies of formation for β-Li₄TiO₄ from elements and from constituent oxides have been determined to be ΔH_f,298^°(β-Li₄TiO₄,s) = −2247.8 ± 14.3 kJ mol⁻¹ and Δ_fox,298^°(β-Li₄TiO₄, s) = −107.3 ± 14.3 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively.     

Investigation of in-reactor creep and irradiation growth of zirconium-2.5 wt% niobium channel tubes

We summarize the diametral creep results obtained in the MR reactor of the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy on zirconium-2.5 wt% niobium pressure tubes of the type used in RBMK-1000 power reactors. The experiments that lasted up to 30 000 h cover a temperature range of 270 to 350°C, neutron fluxes between 0.6 and 4.0 ×10¹³ n/cm² · s (E > 1 MeV) and stresses of up to 16 kgf/mm². Diametral strains of up to 4.8% have been measured. In-reactor creep results have been analyzed in terms of thermal and irradiation creep components assuming them to be additive. The thermal creep rate is given by a relationship of the type ε_th = A₁ exp [(A₂ + A _3σt) T] and the irradiation component by ε_rad = A_4σtø(T − A₅), where T = temperature, σ_t = hoop stress, ø = neutron flux and a₁ to A₅ are constants. Irradiation growth experiments carried out at 280° C on specimens machined from pressure tubes showed a non-linear dependence of growth strain on neutron fluence up to neutron fluences of 5 × 10²⁰ n/cm². The significance of these results to the elongation of RBMK reactor pressure tubes is discussed.     

中国HCCB-TBM氚增殖单元三维多物理场耦合氚输运模拟分析

中国氦冷固态实验包层模块(HCCB-TBM)将在国际热核聚变实验堆(ITER)上安装测试,以验证其氚增殖能力与核热移出能力.HCCB-TBM中的氚输运与流体的传热和传质、氢同位素交换、结构材料的SORET效应密切相关.考虑以上物理因素,基于商业软件COMSOL完成了HCCB-TBM氚增殖单元多物理场耦合的氢同位素输运模...     

Determination des proprietes elastiques dynamiques du systeme UO2-SiO2 dans la gamme de temperatures 0–300°C

The complex elastic modulus E*(=E₁ + iE₂) of UO₂-SiO₂ with 64 mol% UO₂ in the range 0–300°C was measured by means of the resonant constrained bar technique. The modulus was found to be constant in the range investigated. Using the elastic moduli of UO₂ and SiO₂, the modulus of the sample were estimated theoretically and found to be close to the measured values; the theoretical model used can thus justifiably be adopted for other volume fractions.     

Measurement of the mechanical properties of thermally-shocked zirconia-based simulated inert matrix fuel

The Vickers micro-hardness (H_V) was measured by an indentation technique of simulated ZrO₂-based Inert Matrix Fuel (IMF) material with a composition of Er_0.07Y_0.10Ce_0.15Zr_0.68O_1.915 in two different densities on sintered specimens and specimens thermally shocked with the quenching temperature differences (ΔTs) between 473 and 1673 K and compared with those of simulated MOX, namely, U_0.92Ce_0.08O₂. The H_V values obtained for two IMF materials were found higher, ranging from 6.37 GPa to about 7.84 GPa, depending on ΔT and the sintered density, than those obtained for the simulated MOX which are quasi-constant in the same range of ΔT with a mean value of 6.37 GPa. The fracture toughness (K_IC) was calculated from the measured H_V and the crack length, and it was found to exhibit a slight increase with increasing ΔT, ranging between 1.4 and 2.0 MPa m^1/2, while that of simulated MOX specimen is ranging between 0.8 and 1.1 MPa m^1/2. The thermally shocked specimens were observed with an optical microscope and analyzed in terms of microstructural changes and cracking patterns.     

Effect of Cr2O3 nanosheet insertion on the deuterium permeation behavior of a Cr-Zr-O coating

In this study, a Cr₂O₃ nanosheet (Cr₂O₃ NS) inserted Cr-Zr-O coating was developed as a hydrogen isotope permeation barrier. The Cr₂O₃ NSs, fabricated by rapid heat treatment, were amorphous with a thickness of only several nanometers. These Cr₂O₃ NSs were then incorporated into a Cr-Zr-O multi-metal oxide composite coating via a dip-coating method to form a coating. The effect of the Cr₂O₃ NS concentration on the morphology, microstructure and deuterium permeation resistance of the coating was studied. With the addition of 1.0 g l−1 Cr₂O₃ NSs, compared with the Cr-Zr-O coating without NSs, the permeation reduction factor of the resultant coating was enhanced from 249 °C to 575 °C at 500 °C. The coating, with a thickness of nearly 193 nm, achieved a comparable deuterium resistance that was above two orders of magnitude higher than the steel substrate. The results show that ceramic NSs can serve as effective fillers for enhancing the coating performance when functioning as a hydrogen isotope barrier.     

Thermodynamic studies on Cs4U5O17(s) and Cs2U2O7(s) by emf and calorimetric measurements

The oxygen potentials over the phase field: Cs₄U₅O₁₇(s)+Cs₂U₂O₇(s)+Cs₂U₄O₁₂(s) was determined by measuring the emf values between 1048 and 1206 K using a solid oxide electrolyte galvanic cell. The oxygen potential existing over the phase field for a given temperature can be represented by: Δμ(O₂) (kJ/mol) (±0.5)=−272.0+0.207T (K). The differential thermal analysis showed that Cs₄U₅O₁₇(s) is stable in air up to 1273 K. The molar Gibbs energy formation of Cs₄U₅O₁₇(s) was calculated from the above oxygen potentials and can be given by, Δ_fG⁰ (kJ/mol)±6=−7729+1.681T (K). The enthalpy measurements on Cs₄U₅O₁₇(s) and Cs₂U₂O₇(s) were carried out from 368.3 to 905 K and 430 to 852 K respectively, using a high temperature Calvet calorimeter. The enthalpy increments, (H⁰_T−H⁰₂₉₈), in J/mol for Cs₄U₅O₁₇(s) and Cs₂U₂O₇(s) can be represented by, H⁰_T−H⁰_298.15 (Cs₄U₅O₁₇) kJ/mol±0.9=−188.221+0.518T (K)+0.433×10⁻³T² (K)−2.052×10⁻⁵T³ (K) (368 to 905 K) and H⁰_T−H⁰_298.15 (Cs₂U₂O₇) kJ/mol±0.5=−164.210+0.390T (K)+0.104×10⁻⁴T² (K)+0.140×10⁵(1/T (K)) (411 to 860 K). The thermal properties of Cs₄U₅O₁₇(s) and Cs₂U₂O₇(s) were derived from the experimental values. The enthalpy of formation of (Cs₄U₅O₁₇, s) at 298.15 K was calculated by the second law method and is: Δ_fH⁰_298.15=−7645.0±4.2 kJ/mol.     

秦山第二核电厂阀门类设备弱贯穿辐射调查

在秦山第二核电厂8次大修期间,对反应堆冷却剂系统(RCP)、余热排出系统(RRA)、化学和容积控制系统(RCV)、反应堆换料水池和乏燃料水池冷却和处理系统(PTR)4个系统主要阀门的辐射源项和弱贯穿辐射进行了监测。测得RCV系统阀门沉积的放射性核素主要是^110mAg,RCP、RRA和PTR系统阀门内沉积的主要是⁵⁸Co、⁶⁰Co、⁵¹Cr、⁹⁵Nb、⁹⁵Zr等放射性核素,伴随的β射线能量主要在500 keV范围内。测量给出了4类阀门的公式′(0.07)和H·′(3)值,测得H·′(3) /H·^*(10)值在1.24左右,H·′(0.07) /H·^*(10)值在14左右。结合测量结果,给出了部分阀门需要对检修人员开展眼晶体剂量和皮肤剂量监测的建议。     

Determination of L3 subshell X-ray production cross-sections and fluorescence yields of Pb, Th and U

A study of L₃ subshell X-ray production cross-sections and fluorescence yields by using characteristic K X-rays as the exciting radiation is described. Only the L₃ subshells of Pb, Th and U were excited by the characteristic K X-rays of the elements used as secondary sources. The cross-sections for the production of L_l, L and L_β groups of L₃ subshell X-rays of Pb, Th and U have been measured using photoionization by Rb, Nb and Mo K X-rays. The measured L₃ X-ray production cross-section values for Pb, Th and U are in good agreement with the theoretical ones evaluated using L₃ subshell fluorescence yield ω₃, fractions of the radiative width F_3i and L₃ subshell photoionization cross-section σ₃. The L₃ subshell fluorescence yields (ω₃) have also been computed using the presently measured cross-section values and the theoretical L₃ subshell photoionization cross-section values. These results are compared with the theoretically predicted values.     

The effect of coatings on deuterium retention and permeation in aluminum 6061-T6 APT tritium production tubes

The accelerator production of tritium project will utilize spallation neutrons incident on thousands of ³He gas filled metal tubes to produce tritium by way of the exothermic ³He(n,p)³H reaction. Tritons with energies up to 192 keV and protons with energies up to 576 keV are directly implanted into the tube walls. To minimize tritium retention in the tubes and permeation into the coolant surrounding the tubes, it is desirable to have the implanted tritium migrate back to the inner surface of the tubes and rapidly recombine to be released as T₂ and HT. Aluminum alloy (Al 6061-T6) is the primary candidate material for fabrication of the tubes. Aluminum alloy samples implanted with deuterons and protons to fluences as high as 3×10²² D (and p)/m² were studied. Deuterium retention was measured by mass spectrometry during thermal desorption. Approximately 10% of the implanted deuterium was retained. Copper, nickel and anodized coatings on aluminum alloy were studied as possible methods of reducing retention and permeation of the tritium. In these experiments, the Cu and Ni coatings reduced the retention significantly, whereas retention increased in the anodized coated sample.     

PdY合金管束的氢渗透性能

PdY合金膜因其具有良好的透氢性能与机械性能,有望应用于聚变堆氢同位素纯化工艺.基于PdY合金膜的服役参数及氚安全要求,有必要研究在低氢压下PdY合金膜的氢同位素渗透特性,为后续设计氢同位素纯化组件提供数据支撑.本工作基于直管外压式PdY扩散器,研究了低氢压(<50 kPa)、工作温度为350～450℃条件下,厚度为8...     

Enhancement of pumping performance of electrochemical hydrogen pump by modified electrode

Electrochemical hydrogen pump with ceramic proton conductor membrane has been proposed to apply for a blanket tritium recovery system (BTR) of a fusion reactor. The advantage of this system is that it can apply to the system of low hydrogen pressure, because the driving force of hydrogen permeation is the electric potential difference. Perovskite-type ceramic such as SrCe_0.95Yb_0.05O₃₋ (SCO) is one of the candidates of membrane. To apply hydrogen pump to BTR, the enhancement of the hydrogen transportation capability is necessary. Modification of electrode is one of the methods to enhance the hydrogen transportation capability. In this work, the electrodes of platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) were attached to the SCO sample by the sputtering method (sputtering electrode), and its electric conductivity and proton conductivity were measured. Then, they were compared with that of the usual Pt paste electrode. Hydrogen transportation capability was enhanced when the sputtering electrode was applied. Especially, in case of the Pd sputtering electrode, the current density which was about 4 or 5 times larger than the usual Pt paste electrode was observed at 0.1% of H₂ concentration.     

Enthalpy and heat capacity of LiAlO2 between 298 and 1700 K by drop calorimetry

The enthalpy of γ-LiAlO₂ was measured between 403 and 1673 K by isothermal drop calorimetry. The smoothed enthalpy curve between 298 and 1700 K results in H⁰(T) − H⁰(298 K)=−37 396 + 93.143 · T + 0.00557 · T² + 2 725 221 · T⁻¹ J/mol. The standard deviation is 2.2%. The heat capacity was derived by differentiation of the enthalpy curve. The value extrapolated to 298 K is C_p,298=(65.8 ± 2.0) J/K mol.     

Generalization of the eigenvalue problem of the one-speed neutron transport equation in two-region

Previous calculations on the eigenvalue spectrum of the one-speed transport equation for two-region slabs and spheres are generalized. The criticality problem is investigated in c₁ c₂, where −∞ ≤ c₁ ≤ ∞ and −∞ ≤ c₂ ≤ ∞ are the criticality factors in the respective regions. The eigenvalue spectrum consists of non-intersecting, continuous lines on the (c₁, c₂) plane. The structure of the c-map (the aggregate of such eigenvalue curves) is investigated. It is shown that at some discrete, finite values of c₁ > 1, c₂ diverges to −∞, and Φ₂ vanishes (and vice versa for c₁ and Φ₁ at certain c₂ values). Oscillating properties and completeness of the eigenfunction sets along different lines c₂ = ξc₁ on the c-map are discussed, and some theorems about completeness are proven rigorously for different values of ξ. Finally, some time eigenvalues are calculated and compared with the c-eigenvalues.     

Z variations in yields of multicharged ions scattered and recoiled from a silicon surface

The doubly charged and triply charged ion yields from keV ion-silicon surface scattering are found to have a strong dependence on the atomic number Z₁ of the incident ion. For Z₁ < Z₂ the yield of scattered multicharged ions increases with Z₁, so that these ions dominate the recoiling Si²⁺ and Si³⁺ ions by Z₁ = 9. In contrast, when Z₁ > Z₂, there are large yields of Si²⁺ and Si³⁺ ions, and the multicharged scattered ion yields are too small to detect. The interaction radius at which shell vacancies are produced is also found to change, suggesting that electron promotion occurs at a different level crossing on either side of Z₁ = Z₂.